KILLER hit-and-run drivers were targeted today when the Government announced new laws, following a Birmingham Mail campaign.

Two new offences to deal with drivers who cause death on the roads were unveiled by the Home Office.

It follows the death of two-year-old Josh Berrill, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver, in Alum Rock, last year.

The Mail launched Josh's Campaign to demand that motorists who put other people in danger face a jail sentence rather than just a fine.

The Government's announcement comes as police continue to hunt another hit and run driver who left a young woman fighting for life.

The 21-year-old victim was hit by a car in Pershore Road, Edgbaston, on Sunday. The dark coloured car sped away after the collision at 5pm.

Criminal Justice Minister Fiona Mactaggart said the measures include creating a new offence of causing death by careless driving, with a penalty of up to five years' imprisonment.

There will also be a new offence of causing death when driving while unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured, with a penalty of up to two years' imprisonment. The laws will be tabled as amendments to the Road Safety Bill.

Other measures include telling courts they can find defendants guilty of a bad driving offence, even if they are found not guilty of manslaughter.

At the moment, the Crown Prosecution Service sometimes decides against even attempting to secure a manslaughter conviction, because if the defendant is found not guilty they may end up with no punishment at all.

Ms Mactaggart said: "All too often, families who have lost loved ones have seen the offender getting no more than a fine. That does not reflect the impact of the driving on their lives."